High-Resolution Vessel Monitoring of Small-Scale Fisheries in Kenya

Spatial and Temporal Characterization Using Pelagic Data Systems for Sustainable Management

Author

Japhet Kaadzo Tembo, Emmanuel Mbaru, Lorenzo Longobardi, Hamza Altarturi, Alexander Tilley

Published

August 28, 2025

Executive Summary

This study presents comprehensive vessel monitoring analysis from Kenya’s small-scale fisheries using 150 solar-powered Pelagic Data Systems (PDS) deployed across 28 Beach Management Units in five coastal counties. Analysis of 46,625 high-resolution tracking records reveals critical patterns: fishing hotspots concentrated in specific grid cells, seasonal trends in effort distribution, resource conflict zones with high vessel overlap, and vessel activity coefficients showing fleet utilization patterns. These findings provide essential evidence for marine spatial planning, adaptive management, and inclusive governance within Kenya’s Blue Economy framework.

Fleet Overview & Vessel Activity Coefficient

46,625 Position Records

83 Vessels Tracked

1159 Fishing Trips

9.3 Avg Trip Duration (hrs)

14 Trips per Vessel

1.8 Daily Fleet Activity

Spatial Analysis: Fishing Hotspots & Intensity

🎯 Hotspot Analysis Results

  • 383 critical and major hotspots identified
  • Top 5% of areas account for 65.7% of total fishing effort
  • Maximum concentration: 18 hours in a single grid cell
  • Average vessels per hotspot: 2.5

Resource Conflict Analysis & Vessel Interactions

⚠️ Resource Conflict Analysis

  • 56 total conflict events recorded
  • Maximum 3 vessels observed in single grid cell
  • NaN average vessels in high-risk zones

Trip Characteristics & Gear Usage Patterns

Vessel Movement Patterns & Speed Analysis